Terry - Apoel underestimated

Terry: Difficult encounter

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Chelsea captain John Terry believes smaller teams in the UEFA Champions League are getting better after they secured a hard-fought win over Apoel Nicosia.

Nicolas Anelka handed Chelsea the lead in the GS Pancypria Stadium after 18 minutes but the Blues made hard work of the win as they were on the back-foot for the remainder of the game.

The home side were unable to make a breakthrough, however, and Anelka's strike was enough to earn all three points and maintain Chelsea's position at the top of UEFA Champions League Group D.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are likely to receive some criticism for the display in the wake of their weekend defeat to Wigan but Terry says Nicosia was a difficult experience.

Difficult

He told Sky Sports: "It's a very difficult place to come. We see it year in, year out in the Champions League - the teams are getting better.

"At times we were a little slow in tempo but we've responded with a win and that's all we ask.

"You can't afford not to believe in yourself and your team-mates.

"We've responded to Wigan well but you don't get too much time to think about it.

After their 1-0 win over Porto on match-day one, Chelsea remain at the top of their group and although Terry admits the latest performance was not their best, he is happy with their position.

"Three points puts us top of the group and it's six points from two games which is a very good start."

He added: "Ideally, you want to play well. We didn't play at our best tonight (Wednesday) but we have come away with a win."